Boost Employee Morale with Simple Recognition Strategies

Don’t be that boss. You know the kind. Employees put in effort and receive no appreciation from their employers. Soon, they become frustrated with the environment and look for greener pastures. It would be a mistake to assume employees don’t need a “thumbs up” just because it is their job.

Many employees cite a lack of appreciation as a core reason for leaving their jobs. Others may continue for the paycheck, but they won’t be fully committed. Both situations can be avoided through your intentional efforts to appreciate your employees.

Employee recognition takes little effort, yet the gain is substantial. Let’s face it, the amount you’d lose when an employee suddenly quits is costly. It’s far better to invest in creating a positive environment with motivated employees and better output.

Read on for more.

Why Is Employee Recognition So Important?

Humans love appreciation. We enjoy knowing that our effort is valued. The same applies to employees. The most effective motivator for work is personal recognition; employees who receive recognition are more likely to remain long-term in your organization. The opposite is also true. Employees with low recognition will either quit or emotionally check out.

Statistics back this up: 79% of employees leave jobs due to a lack of appreciation. 40% relate increased effort to appreciation, while 50% say that recognition would improve workplace relationships.

With these numbers, shouldn’t employers invest more in recognition? Sadly, many employees don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Make your company different by ensuring your staff gets regular motivation.

The Impact of Employee Recognition on Customer Service

The relationship between employee recognition and customer satisfaction is clear. The happier employees are, the better they relate to customers. Motivated employees also feel more secure when dealing with difficult customers and display greater patience.

Regular praise creates a welcoming atmosphere that customers will easily notice. It’s like stepping into a children’s park—the excitement is evident. Motivated employees often go beyond their normal job description to satisfy customers, building trust in the process.

On the other hand, unmotivated employees can drive customers away. Of course, every good employee should do their job, but recognition defines how the job is done. When employees are detached from their work, it will reflect in their service to customers and affect the overall sentiment in the organization. Employees are crucial to the smooth running of any business.

Ways To Recognize Your Employees

Over the years, businesses have popularized certain methods, such as bonuses and gift cards. However, these are not your only options.

Here is a broader list you can select from, tailor to your taste, and implement:

1. Give a Shout-Out

Shout-outs are a great way to thank employees for meeting a goal. It can be done either privately or in public, depending on the preference of the employee in question. Shout-outs can be done in different ways, from a public announcement at a meeting to a personal note.

Know your employees well enough to recognize which shout-out method will work best, but also be willing to experiment. Some introverts may secretly enjoy public recognition, particularly if no one has ever shown them appreciation before. If in doubt, choose the safest option.

2. Offer Paid Time Off or a Work-From-Home Day

This strategy is highly effective after a long project where employees have worked for hours with little rest. After a period of exertion, paid time off (PTO) can feel like paradise.

Onsite workers would also appreciate a work-from-home day, without the stress of commuting or dressing up. You could even offer a half-day Friday that leads into a longer weekend. Not only will this make employees feel valued, but it also provides time to recharge.

3. Have a “Wall of Fame” or an “Employee of the Month” Award

The “Employee of the Month” (EOTM) method is a popular recognition strategy, and you can implement it. However, be mindful of the risk it presents.

The EOTM award can breed unhealthy rivalry, which you can avoid by ensuring everyone has a chance at it. For example, rotate the criteria from “leadership skills” to “punctuality” and other qualities.

Alternatively, explore the “wall of fame” method, which allows for multiple employees to be recognized.

4. Offer Personal Rewards

Personal rewards directly target the person you wish to appreciate, offering them a gift they would personally enjoy. For example, if John is a coffee person, you could gift him a free coffee from his favorite shop. You could also offer tickets, a favorite snack, etc.

It takes some effort to learn your employees’ preferences, but it also shows you value them as individuals. So, make the effort. Through informal conversations, social media posts, or even personal observations, you can discover what your employees like.

5. Celebrate Achievements, Large and Small

Small goals met are as important as large goals because even the little milestones ensure the smooth running of your business. Therefore, when your employees hit any form of achievement, celebrate them.

Make the recognition specific and timely, so employees know exactly why they are being recognized. Using the suggestions above, and more, make your employees feel like a part of a community.

Recognition in Remote Work Settings

The strategies above work better for onsite work, but what about remote employees? Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid jobs have become commonplace. Your recognition strategies should also be tailored to fit remote work, particularly if you have remote staff.

For instance, shout-outs can be given during virtual meetings or via an appreciative email. You could also send surprise packages, mail holiday cards, or offer paid time off. In place of a physical “wall of fame,” you could design a digital wall of fame, complete with lovely features.

Building a Culture of Appreciation

Recognition should not be a one-time event. While some methods are best kept for special occasions, foster a culture of appreciation in daily work. It begins with leadership setting an example for employees.

When employees observe how leaders appreciate themselves and others, they will align with the culture. Even simple words like “please” and “thank you” shape professional interactions in positive ways.

Besides leader-to-leader and leader-to-employee appreciation, encourage employees to appreciate each other. Peer recognition eliminates rivalry and creates a sense of camaraderie among employees. Also, encourage employees to appreciate leaders. Organize recognition events where everyone’s efforts are acknowledged.

A culture of appreciation will make your organization a place where employees seek to grow and won’t want to leave.

Conclusion

On both personal and professional levels, employee recognition is positive and transformational. This approach and culture show you value your staff and consider each individual an important part of your company.

For the company itself, happy employees lead to more business success, excellent achievement of tasks, and customer satisfaction.

Use any suggestion that appeals to you or create your own! Whatever you choose, ensure that your organization is a healthy environment where appreciation is a daily occurrence.

This blog post is the fourth of five in this series. For an overview of all five tips, or a deep dive into the employee/customer experience connection, download our white paper today.